The disappointment of not being able to represent Swimming South Africa (SSA) at the Cana Zone 4 swimming championships in Luanda, Angola, last week due to costs involved has not deterred Ayush Harrishun from focusing on his goal of representing his country at the Commonwealth Games.
Cana is the continental swimming association in charge of overseeing the sport in Africa.
The 13-year-old Grade 8 pupil at Glenwood High School was chosen after competing at SSA’s national Level 2 Championships in Sasolberg in March, when he won the silver medal for the 50m butterfly and bronze in the 100m butterfly.
“Although I missed my first opportunity to compete at a whole new level, I will not let this get me down. There’s still the Commonwealth Games that I have in my sights,” said Ayush.
The Malvern resident said he started competitive swimming at the age of 10.
“I joined Beavers Swimming Club and at first tried out all the different strokes. I soon found that I was developing a good technique with the butterfly stroke and kept pushing to improve my times.”
To stay in touch with his Commonwealth dream Ayush trains four days a week.
“The next step for me is to achieve Level 3 times to be accepted into the SA Youth squad.”
He said he admired Michael Phelps and Chad le Clos not only for their prowess in the pool but because of their personalities.
“Although they achieved greatness in the pool they remained humble people. I like that – I do not believe being good in sport gives you the right to become cocky.”
Director of Aquatics at Glenwood High, Steve la Marque, said Ayush was one of their up-and-coming swimmers.
“He has shown incredible commitment and I believe if he keeps up with this attitude he can achieve his dream. Although he represents the school, he is also a club swimmer and he has posted good times.”
Ayush’s dad Suresh Harrishun expressed his disappointment at SSA not offering “at least a subsidy” to swimmers chosen to represent them.
“What’s the point of selecting a child if they cannot subsidise the trip. As parents there is only so much we can do. We pay lots of money to send them to good schools. Forking out more for them to bring honour for the association is not on,” said Harrishun.
Competitions Manager for SSA, Daphne Bird said the organisation was dependent on funds from the Department of Sport and Sascoc which sponsored events on an adhoc basis.
“We do not have the funds on hand to sponsor every event and swimmers need to apply to their provincial sports department for assistance.”